The United Abia Artistes and Patriots Forum (UAAP) has appreciated the development strides of Governor Alex Chioma Otti of Abia State in less than 9 months of piloting the affairs of the state.
Members of the UAAP who passed a vote of confidence on the governor during their hybrid extraordinary annual general meeting on the 10th of February 2024, urged the governor not to relent, but to continue in his quest to rewrite the history of Abia State.
The meeting, which had more than 50 diasporan Abian, connected via Zoom, also had numerous others present in the physical meeting in Umuahia, and connected via Zoom from many states in Nigeria.
While declaring the annual general meeting open, the Board of Trustee (BOT) Chairman Chief Raymond Nkemdirim reminded members of the aims and objectives of UAAP. He stated that the organization is not a political group but a pressure group seeking good governance in Abia State.
He advised the group to discuss and bring up ideas that will support the present government in moving Abia State forward.
“Now that we are seeing new things happening in Abia State, UAAP should bring up programmes that will support the present government to move the state forward” he stated.
On the side of convener Amb. Dr. Osita Offor ‘De Ultimate Commander’, started by congratulating all the members of UAAP for the support they gave to Governor Alex Otti during the last election, the victory, and the emerging NEW ABIA.
Osita reminded members that more work is needed if they are to remain relevant in the NEW ABIA project. He emphasized the need to rectify the leadership of the organization to enable focus and productivity.
While contributing to the leadership matter of UAAP, Honourable Chima Onyeagba advised the organization to appoint leaders based on merit and capacity to do the job irrespective of their senatorial zones and or location.
After a series of deliberations, Amb. Dr Osita Offor, Comrade Emenike Jason Iroegbu, and US-based Chief Ralph Nwafor were confirmed as President, Secretary General, and Assistant Secretary-General respectively. Other executive positions will be rectified in subsequent meetings.
On the issue of projects, so many renowned Journalist, movie producers, directors and actors/actresses like Matthew Nwankwo, Uchenna Nnanna Maduka, Blessing Asibe, Happiness Kalu, Collins Ejike and numerous others urged UAAP to play effective roles in promoting the movie industry in Abia State and also using the movie industry to market the state.
While contributing, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Entertainment and Tourism Dr. Martins Okechukwu Justice, popularly known as J Martins, posited that the state is fully ready to welcome all movie producers, directors, and actors/actresses to the state. He explained that security is guaranteed and that the government is equally ready to encourage and support movie projects that will add value to the economy of the state and will position the state as one of the movie hubs in Nigeria.
Chief Hope Obioma Okpara, who is the CEO and Promoter of Eko International Film Festival, urged UAAP to see how Film Festival events can be held in Abia State. He revealed that events like this have the potential to place Abia State on the map of entertainment both in Nigeria and the world.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade, Commerce, Industry and Investment Chief Nwaka Inem and the Honourable Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development Hon. Nwaobilor Ananaba, advised the organization on the need to keep supporting the administration of Governor Alex Otti and to see how UAAP to help in attracting and contributing towards the development of the state.
In her contribution, Honorable Favour Chiemerie Nzeanochie who is based in the UK, advised UAAP members to work as one to promote the ideals of the organization and to also be ready to contribute towards the projects and programmes of the organization if success will be achieved.
One of the prominent members of UAAP High Chief Chibueze Izugbo Joshua during the meeting promised to host Super Eagles Players who are from Abia State if the opportunity is given.
The annual general meeting ended with numerous other contributions from Abians in the UK, US, Canada, and many other European countries. It was finally agreed that projects to be executed by UAAP will be made public very soon.